Pressure on Bristol City Council to ban toxic weed killer

Determined campaigners say the writing’s on the wall for a toxic weed killer used in Bristol, despite the council’s insistence it is safe.

Marvin Rees’ Labour administration faced an angry backlash this summer after apparently doing a U-turn on pledges to take action over the widespread use of glyphosate, a common herbicide that has been linked to cancer.

While the council maintains it reduces use where it can, it has confirmed there are no current plans to use alternative methods after a trial found either the cost of other techniques, such as steam or foam, were “prohibitive” or caused adverse environmental impacts.

But environmentalists and parents have slammed such as response as “bitterly disappointing for a supposedly green city” and are keeping up the pressure in the fight for a toxic-free Bristol.

Campaigners are raising awareness of the issue with posters around Bristol’s parks and public spaces

A petition launched by the founders of Pesticide Safe Bristol Alliance calls on mayor Marvin Rees to follow the lead of other UK cities, and some European countries, and commit to a ban on the use of glyphosate weed killers in public spaces by 2021. It has already gained more than 3,000 signatures.

“It does seem like the council has done a U-turn but I think the writing is on the wall for glyphosate,” says Harriet Williams, one of the founders of the alliance, which was set up by local food networks, environmental groups and parents concerned by the use of hazardous pesticides in Bristol’s public spaces.

Speaking about why she took up the campaign in 2015, Harriet explains: “I was with my toddler in a park in east Bristol and a guy with a backpack turned up and started spraying within a few metres of us.

“I realised it was glyphosate and this was just after the World Health Organisation ruled it as harmful.

“We asked Bristol City Council to consider banning it, but three years later, the council is still using it and using it very close to children.

“Both of my children have had glyphosate sprayed very close to them, so we are pretty disappointed that the council has not shown the leadership that you would expect of such a green city.”

Parents and children have turned out to protest about the use of toxic chemicals. Photo from Pesticide Safe Bristol Alliance

Harriet argues there is no reason that Bristol couldn’t commit to phasing out the use of glyphosate, as authorities in Hammersmith, Lewes and Glastonbury have.

There is still much debate around the level of potential harm caused by glyphosate, but as well as concerns about its impact on humans, scientists have also discovered the chemical could be killing bees too.

The alliance believes it is a matter of social justice, with many home owners opting against using glyphosate, while council tenants don’t have a choice.

Mindful of severe budget restraints, Harriet says the next step for the campaign group is to approach the council with possible solutions and call on individuals and organisations to take a citywide approach.

Anthony Negus is urging the council to take action

Leader of the Lib Dem group Anthony Negus has taken up the cause.

He says: “I have pressed the mayor about the lack of progress on his stated vision of Bristol becoming a pesticide-free city.

“France, Belgium and Germany have either banned glyphosate or are phasing it out over three years. Cities and local authorities in this country have made a similar commitment or are meaningfully trialing alternatives.

“Although used as a herbicide it is widely considered to act as a pesticide, affecting our biodiversity. The carcinogenic effect on humans is contested, but there seems little doubt that this is pernicious for children and, as a minimum, its use should be banned around schools and nurseries.

“Achieving clean air requires curbing the activities of others. This council sprays glyphosate and could stop doing it. I hope people can demand better.”

Campaigners have witnessed the spray being used near schools. Photo from Pesticide Safe Bristol Alliance

Responding to concerns, a Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “Glyphosate has been fully licensed for use in the UK and is therefore is considered an approved, safe product. As with all chemicals, the council’s policy is to reduce use where it can and we would always use the minimum amount possible, applied in a safe way.

“In order to explore reducing the use of chemical weed control, the council recently carried out some research into alternative solutions, and did not find any that were cost effective or did not have adverse environmental impacts.

“As a result of this, there are no current plans to use alternative methods.”

This is not good enough for campaigners, who are demanding action.

The alliance is calling on the council to:

●      Adopt a target date for phasing out the routine use of glyphosate, city-wide.

●      Undertake a full appraisal of least- or no-harm alternatives to glyphosate and other pesticides.

●      Publish full annual data on pesticide use by the council and its contractors.

●      Provide clear public notices, in advance, giving warning of pesticide treatments to take place.

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